Category: Tech

Growing Your Wealth Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to GFunds and GStocks PH
In a world full of things to do, decisions to make, and the desire to build and create wealth, we need a clear plan towards securing our financial future. It’s great that people have long harped on two ways to help us attain this: investing and passive income.

Investing has long been a reliable method to earn passively. In the modern era of technological advancements, we’re presented with the opportunity to delve into the world of investment through GFunds and GStocks PH – both within the GInvest section of the GCash app.

GInvest is a digital investment product within the GCash app that allows Filipinos to begin their investment journey through its different investment products.

Discover ways to attain your financial goals and make the most of GCash’s investment features with these essential tips:
1. Educate Yourself, know where you’re putting your money: Harness the wealth of educational resources available online. Comprehend essential stock market jargon, factors influencing stock prices, and the art of diversification. In order for you to make more informed decisions for your next investment move, it’s crucial to know the difference, like for example between GStocks PH and GFunds.
  
  While both are GInvest products, GStocks PH is AB Capital Securities, Inc.’s (ABCSI) online retail securities trading services made accessible through the GCash app. Through ABCSI’s online platform, investors can buy, sell, and manage stocks of companies listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).
  
  GFunds on the other hand, is the investment marketplace feature of the GCash App that allows you to buy, manage, and sell investment funds from GCash’s trusted fund house partners.
1. Diversify Wisely: Avoid risk concentration by spreading investments across different sectors and asset classes, offering a shield against market volatility.
  
  There is no minimum top-up amount for GStocks PH, but it’s possible to begin with at least ₱1,000. While there are stocks listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange that can be bought with just a few hundreds of pesos, you may consider investing more if you have the financial means to do so and would like to focus on specific stocks. Through investing in local stocks, you get to invest in the companies and brands you know and love.
  
  On the other hand, with GFunds, you can invest in local funds with exposure to Philippine securities with just as little as ₱50.
1. Buy Regularly: When it comes to investing, buying regularly will allow one to manage market fluctuations and maximize their investments over a long period of time.
If you’re looking into long-term investments, remember to:
1. Embrace Patience: Investing plays the long game. Maintain calm during market fluctuations and keep your focus on the horizon.
1. Stay Informed and Secure: Regularly evaluate your investments’ performance, adjust your strategies as your financial aspirations evolve. Leverage the guidance of financial experts and explore the resources available online. These tools are invaluable for making informed decisions aligned with your specific financial goals and risk tolerance
  
  Rest assured that your money is safe with GCash; products from GInvest like GStocks PH and GFunds are offered by one of the leading players in the stock brokerage industry and leading fund houses in the Philippines, respectively.
  
  If you are the type who would like to choose the companies you invest in and manage your own investments, GStocks PH is for you. AB Capital Securities Inc. extends its support by offering Stock Picks through GCash, serving as a valuable guide to help you choose the right stocks for your investment journey.
Registration is simple and open to all existing GCash users who have fully verified accounts, above 18 years old, and are Filipino citizens.

Your journey to financial growth starts with embracing the potential of GFunds and GStocks PH through the GCash app. Remember, the steps you take today will shape the prosperous future you’ve always envisioned.

ABOUT GCASH

GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Finance App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, 69M registered users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 5.2M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.), the first and only duacorn in the Philippines.

GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) and by the IDC in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs.

Stay connected and discover more about GCash:

Instagram: @gcashofficial

Facebook: GCash Official
October 10, 2023
GCash launches new ‘GCash Card’ powered by Visa

The Philippines’ leading finance super app, GCash, teams up with global payments leader Visa to introduce the new GCash Card – giving millions of unbanked Filipinos access to the benefits of owning a payment card.

“GCash is giving every Filipino, whoever or wherever they are, the benefits of owning a card, especially those with no bank accounts or documents typically required to apply for a card. These include Filipinos with informal sources of incomes like freelancers and independent professionals as well as micro and small enterprises,” said Ren-Ren Reyes, president and CEO of G-Xchange, the mobile wallet operator of GCash.

With the new GCash Card, more Filipinos, especially those busy with the daily hustle, can have access to another cashless payment option which they can use for their everyday expenses like groceries, restaurants, and transportation. The GCash Card can be used by customers to shop securely online on their favorite websites and apps. They can also use the card in physical retail stores simply by tapping or inserting the card in terminals.

“The new card powered by Visa unlocks more payment options for GCash users as they can use it at over 100 million merchants in the Philippines and across the world,” noted Reyes.

Any fully verified user can now order their own GCash Card powered by Visa through the app, without additional documents or approvals.

The launch of GCash Card’s aim is “Dahil Kaya All with the Card for All”, providing Filipinos with numerous benefits similar to those enjoyed by those with bank accounts, such as quick ATM withdrawals locally and abroad.

Powered by Visa’s global reach, the card can also be used for payments overseas in over 200 countries and territories, at over 100 million merchants. This gives traveling GCash Card users and overseas Filipinos another secure and convenient way of paying abroad – whether it be in restaurants, hotels, retail shops, convenience stores, ride-hailing apps and other transport services, as well as other merchants who accept Visa as payment.

Jeff Navarro, Visa’s Country Manager for the Philippines and Guam, said, “We are very happy to partner with GCash to provide the GCash Card to Filipinos, which paves the way to better financial inclusion. With the card’s contactless capability, it enables Filipino shoppers, especially those who don’t usually pay with cards, to shop conveniently and securely, joining millions around the world who have been tapping to shop, dine, and travel.”

Users who have availed of the GCash Card will also have access to GInsure, where they can get free insurance of up to Php20,000 coverage for unauthorized transactions for the first 30 days after activation. This also includes the Php185 price for card replacement in the event of accidental loss or damage to the card, as well as the shipping fee of up to Php225. To order, users can open their GCash app, go to ”View all”, and find the “Manage” section. Click on “Cards” and tap “Order a GCash Card”. To know more, visit GCash at https://www.gcash.com.

October 10, 2023
Canva Marks 10th Anniversary with Groundbreaking All-in-One AI Design Tool for All
Canva, the world’s only all-in-one visual communication platform, celebrates 10 years of innovation with the launch of Canva’s Magic Studio. Reinforcing Canva’s mission to democratize design, Magic Studio is the world’s most comprehensive AI-design platform empowering individuals, teams and organizations to boost their creativity, supercharge their productivity and scale their brands.

“A decade ago, Canva set out to empower the world to design by simplifying a complex and fragmented design ecosystem. As we go into the next decade of our journey, we’re incredibly excited to be taking a massive leap forward with the launch of Magic Studio – the first all-in-one suite of design AI tools created to supercharge the way teams create and scale visual content,” said Melanie Perkins, co-founder and CEO of Canva.

“With a focus on making complex things simple, Magic Studio has been built for the 99% of the world without complex design training. This launch marks the start of an exciting new chapter as we double down on empowering over 150 million individuals and thousands of businesses to unlock their creativity and achieve their goals.”

Magic Studio marks the latest in a series of major product milestones over the past 12 months, including the launch of Canva’s enterprise-focused Visual Suite in September 2022 and the rollout of new AI and marketer tools at Create this March. Fueled by the proliferation of visual communication at work, more than 65 million new users have started using Canva in the last year – a milestone that originally took the company eight years to achieve. Canva currently has 16 million paying subscribers and more than 150 million users worldwide. The company’s early set of AI-powered design products have been used more than 3 billion times.

Magic Studio

Magic Studio – The AI Design Platform for the Other 99%
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence presents an extraordinary opportunity for individuals and organizations to realize their innate creative potential. Despite an onslaught of new tools, AI-powered design remains geared towards design professionals and exists in a highly complex and fragmented market, limiting the incredible potential of this technology for the 99% of workers who need to create more content than ever without advanced design skills.

Magic Design

Magic Studio is a first-of-its-kind suite of AI tools built on proprietary models, in partnership with industry leaders, and through its rapidly growing app ecosystem. Magic Studio infuses the best of AI across every part of Canva as the first and only truly all-in-one and interoperable AI design offering on the market. When time is short and productivity cannot be compromised, Magic Studio can generate compelling content, fast-track first drafts, automate mundane tasks, design like an expert, massively accelerate the creation process, and much more.

Magic Edit

Starting today, Magic Studio offers the following and more:
- Magic Switch: An industry-first offering that instantly converts designs into a range of formats with one click. Turn a presentation into an executive summary or create a blog post from a whiteboard of ideas, plus, translate it into various languages in the process.
- Magic Media (text to image and text to video functionality): Turn text into engaging photos and, with its latest update, explore a wide range of new style options for any result. Or, create compelling videos from an image or text using Gen-2, a video generation AI model by Runway.
- Magic Design: Turn a prompt or your own media into captivating and fully designed videos, presentations and more. Speed up the creation process by simply entering your idea, selecting color schemes and watching complete designs come to life ready to be shared or further customized to your liking.
- Brand Voice: Canva’s Magic Write copywriting assistant has been supercharged with brand voice. It’s easier than ever to write in your brand’s tone of voice in any design or document. Simply add guidelines to your Brand Kit to generate on-brand content every time.
- Magic Morph: Turn your design from ordinary to extraordinary by instantly transforming words and shapes into new colors, textures, patterns and styles with a simple prompt.
- Magic Grab: A whole new way to reimagine your images. Magic Grab can select and separate any subject in your photo so that you can edit, reposition, or resize it.
- Magic Expand: Perfect photos after they’ve been taken. Magic Expand can save zoomed-in images or turn a vertical shot horizontal by recovering whatever’s outside the frame.
- AI Apps on Canva: The Canva Apps Marketplace puts the best AI-powered design and productivity tools on the market all in one place. Now with access to world-leading AI including Dall-E, Imagen by Google, MurfAI, Soundraw and more.
Canva Shield – Industry–Leading Security, Privacy, and Indemnification
In addition to Magic Studio, Canva also announced the launch of Canva Shield – an industry-leading and enterprise-grade collection of robust safety, privacy, and security controls designed to provide teams and organizations with peace of mind when creating content. Team administrators have full control over how Magic Studio products are enabled and used across the workplace and can toggle these features based on employee roles at any time.

Canva Shield is the latest in the company’s substantial and ongoing investment in trust and safety following the integration of powerful automated content moderation, prompt filtering, reporting functionalities and the launch of an industry-first debiasing model ensuring Magic Studio products produce safe and inclusive results. For enterprise customers, Canva Shield also includes indemnification, providing additional peace of mind for organizations creating content with AI.

A Leading Creator Compensation Program
In recognition of the importance of creators and designers, Canva also announced a $200 million commitment in content and AI royalties to be paid to the company’s creator community over the next three years. The Creator Compensation Program will pay Canva Creators who consent to having their content used to train the company’s proprietary AI models.

Underscoring its commitment to transparency, Canva will provide creators the choice to opt out of their data being used for training purposes. Creators who opt into training AI models on their existing content will receive an initial payment followed by monthly payment for continued use.

“The future of design will be determined by human creativity but will also be fueled by unprecedented levels of AI innovation,” said Danny Wu, Head of AI, Canva. “Creators are at the heart of our community, so we fully embrace our responsibility to ensure that we’re offering them AI-powered tools that are firmly grounded in transparency, as well as ethical and fair practices every step of the way.”

Fuelling Visual Communication in the Enterprise
As Canva enters its next decade, the company remains focused on democratizing design in the workplace. A year since the launch of Canva’s Visual Suite which introduced collaborative documents, websites, presentations, whiteboards, data visualization, and more – Canva is experiencing unprecedented workplace growth and adoption, adding more than 65 million new monthly active users in a year while nearly doubling paid subscribers to over 16 million.

More and more, professionals are expected to communicate visually at work. There are more than one million people now listing Canva as a core skill on their LinkedIn profile – a figure that’s surged 72% year-over-year as visual communication becomes the status quo. For this reason, Canva’s traction in the enterprise is growing rapidly with large companies like FedEx, Starbucks, Colgate-Palmolive, Zoom, Reddit, and others that rely on Canva as their visual communication tool of choice.

Canva’s all-in-one platform, now supercharged with more AI-powered design tools, is unlocking entirely new levels of creativity while empowering individuals, teams, and enterprises to create visual communication at scale like never before. To learn more about all of the functionality included within Canva’s Magic Studio, visit the Canva Newsroom here.
October 10, 2023
Acer’s Acerpure Revolutionizing Healthy Living with Advanced Technology

The tech titan, Acer, known for its innovation prowess, is bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology, health, and into the vast expanse of home essentials, launching Acerpure. A product line that promises not just cutting-edge technology, but also a pledge of healthier living spaces.

In a world where health and technology are intertwined, Acerpure is the perfect addition to any home. With Acerpure, Acer is not only selling products but also the promise of a healthier home and life.

“Acerpure’s mission is to provide technological innovations that can resolve various consumer concerns. We want to create an Acerpure home ecosystem for consumers to live with ease and comfort,” said Sue Ong-Lim, Acer Philippines General Manager.

(L-R) Sue Ong-Lim, General Manager, Acer Philippines Manuel Wong, Managing Director, Acer Philippines Stanley Kao, President, Acerpure Carlo Rapisora, Brand Manager, Acerpure Philippines and Summer Chan, Associate Marketing Manager, Acerpure PAP

Acerpure products all feature Integrated Technology, ensuring all homes are dirt-free, the air is breathable, and the water is pure. Smart Integration showcases app capabilities for easy control and monitoring via smartphones and other devices. Acerpure products are also eco-friendly and engineered with the environment in mind for energy-efficient operations and minimal waste generation.

Breathe healthy, breathe pure with Acerpure’s Air Purifier Series

Acerpure Cozy

Acerpure Cozy projects air up to 15 meters away, completely circulating the air five times per hour to every corner of your home. Thanks to its 3D Airflow Technology, Acerpure Cozy has a greater range and more concentrated airflow than a standard fan for improved indoor air circulation. It has a 12 touch-activated speed setting and 90° up/down, 95° left/right oscillating direction adjustment for easy, accurate control. Acerpure Cozy also helps save energy by eliminating uncomfortable temperature differences within the home, working with existing heating and air conditioning to adjust room temperature.

Acerpure Cool

Acerpure Cool has a 4-in-1 HEPA filter that eliminates bacteria, allergens, and pollutants from your home to make the air healthier and fresher. This filter offers four-layer protection from unsafe air by removing pet hair and dander and 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, such as PM1.0 allergens, bacteria, formaldehyde, and odors.

Better cleaning starts here with Acerpure’s Clean Series

Acerpure Clean V1 lets you #CleanLikeAPro because it is quieter and more effortless to use than other products. It combines lightness, convenience, and power in one gadget to clean every nook and cranny of your home. Acerpure Clean V1 is slim but powerful with a 1.5kg ultralight and cordless body, visual battery life with a running time of 60 minutes on a full charge, different modes for different cleaning usages, an electric power brush with hair-free technology, and four built-in LED lights.

Acerpure Clean V1 lite is super lightweight at 550g with 13000Pa suction pressure power and a maximum of 15 minutes of cleaning time. It has a 2-in-1 usage, one button switch, a DC motor, and a USB type-C charger.

As part of Acerpure’s launch in the Philippines, international superstar Sandara Park joins Acerpure as its brand ambassador, perfectly representing its wholesome and clean qualities. SB19 and Team Payaman are also launching a web series for fans to enjoy.

“We are also very excited to launch the Mahangin Challenge featuring SB19 and Team Payaman, who will put Acerpure products to the test,” said Princess Laosantos, Acer Philippines Senior Marketing Manager.

For more details about Acerpure products and the Mahangin Challenge, visit Acerpure’s official Facebook page (@AcerpurePH) or the official website, www.acer.com.

October 10, 2023
CASETiFY Unveils Show-stopping Accessories for iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Series 9

CASETiFY, the global tech accessory trendsetter, recently unwrapped its chic lineup tailored for the iPhone 15 series and Apple Watch Series 9. The release showcases the Ultra Bounce Case, taking the limelight as the pinnacle of protection. Plus, fresh off the shelf are the Impact Ring Stand Case, Bounce Band, and Impact Band ready to captivate Apple aficionados. Excited? Head straight to casetify.com or check them out on Amazon.

Ultra Bounce Case: The Epitome of Safety & Style

Engineered for resilience, the Ultra Bounce Case emerges as CASETiFY’s crown jewel.

f you’ve ever craved a case that offers ironclad protection yet doesn’t skimp on the fashion front, meet your match. The Ultra Bounce Case, blessed with CASETiFY’s unique EcoShock™ technology, boasts resilience ten times the typical military standard. Impressive, isn’t it? This case can confidently brave a tumble from 32.8 feet.

Yet, it’s not all about toughness. The Ultra Bounce Case is also about expressing oneself. Alongside it, CASETiFY presents the Impact Ring Stand Case, innovatively crafted to let the signature camera ring play a dual role – yes, it’s also a kickstand!

With a library of countless prints for the iPhone 15 series, plus CASETiFY’s state-of-the-art Customization Studio, you’re in for a treat. Personalize to reflect your unique vibe. Pricing details? The Ultra Bounce stands at PHP 5,890 and its sidekick, the Impact Ring Stand Case, at PHP 4,290. Both radiate in a sleek Black.

Watch Bands: More Than Just Timekeepers

Broadening their horizons, CASETiFY introduces the Bounce Band and Impact Band for the Apple Watch Series 9. Designed keeping the modern user in mind, the Bounce Band – crafted from FKM fluoroelastomer rubber – is the perfect companion for outdoor adventures, featuring a distinctive geometric ventilation design for optimal comfort.

On the other hand, the Impact Band caters to daily flair, offering a canvas for personal touch with myriad designs and customization possibilities. Color options? The Bounce Band is up for grabs in Black, Orange, and Sand at PHP 3,690, while the Impact Band steals the scene in Black for PHP 2,690.

Your One-Stop Tech Accessory Shop

CASETiFY’s latest collection doesn’t stop here! From lens protectors to phone charms and MagSafe compatible must-haves, there’s something for every tech aficionado. All these innovations are just a click away, waiting to be explored on casetify.com or Amazon.

September 19, 2023
Achieve your wellness goals with Garmin’s Latest Venu 3 GPS Smartwatches
Garmin, a global leader in GPS technology and smartwatches, recently announced the launch of Venu® 3 and Venu 3S GPS smartwatches. These cutting-edge wearables are designed to empower users on their health and fitness journeys, offering a host of features to help individuals achieve their wellness goals.

The Venu 3 series redefines what a smartwatch can do by providing comprehensive fitness insights, stunning AMOLED touchscreen displays, and remarkable battery life. This series is engineered to give users a more complete understanding of their health and fitness, making it the ideal companion for active lifestyles. It also includes new features for wheelchair users—letting them track pushes, follow wheelchair-specific workouts and more.

Available in two sizes and comfortable enough to wear all day and night, Venu 3 series gets up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. And because users don’t have to charge their watch every night, they can monitor health metrics 24/7 and receive a more holistic view of their stress, Body Battery^™and sleep with new personalized sleep coaching and nap detection.

“At Garmin, we are dedicated to enhancing the lives of our users through innovative technology. No matter what your health and fitness journey looks like, Venu 3 is ready to support you every step of the way. The Venu 3 series is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity, connectivity, and user experience. We believe these smartwatches will revolutionize the way people approach their health and fitness journeys,” said Mr. Scoppen Lin, Assistant General Manager, Garmin Asia.

New features to love
- Sleep coach: Receive a sleep score and personalized coaching for how much sleep is recommended and keep track of different sleep stages, naps, and other key metrics such as Pulse Ox¹ and heart rate variability (HRV) status.
- Morning report: Receive an overview of sleep, recovery, HRV status and more upon waking up. Even customize the report to view more personalized details.
- Nap detection: Automatically track or log naps to see how they may benefit the body and the suggested time and duration they should be.
- Body Battery improvements: Monitor energy levels throughout the day to find the best times for activity and rest. And get even more details and personal insights on how sleep, naps, daily activities and high stress specifically impact energy levels².
- Wheelchair mode: Track daily pushes and receive weight shift alerts plus wheelchair-specific sports apps and workouts. In creating these new features, the algorithms of some existing features were modified to enhance the meaningfulness of key insights for wheelchair users.
- Workout benefit and recovery time: Better understand how each workout affects the body and how much time is needed to recover to take on any fitness challenge.
- Rate of perceived exertion: Record how difficult a workout was and how it felt.
- Interval creation: Build interval workouts for running and cycling activities right on the watch.
- Meditation activity: Follow guided meditation practices to help reduce stress, anxiety and more.
- Built-in speaker and microphone: Make and take calls right from the watch (when paired with a compatible smartphone) and use the smartphone’s voice assistant to respond to text messages and more. Those with an Android phone can also view photo messages and respond to texts using the on-watch keyboard.
For health gurus

Loaded with extensive health and wellness stats, Venu 3 series is ready to help keep users going strong. And with days of battery life, users don’t have to worry about charging their watch every night, meaning they can have access to certain health features 24/7. Day or night, Venu 3 series can track heart rate², respiration, Pulse Ox, stress andBody Battery energy levels. While sleeping, Venu 3 series will monitor heart rate variability to provide users with a deeper understanding of their overall health and will also track those “zzz’s” while traveling and offer personalized tips to help reduce jet lag.

For fitness fanatics

With more than 30 built-in sports apps, users can track the ways they move—from walking and running to cycling, pool swimming, activities for wheelchair users and more. Venu 3 series even lets users follow preloaded animated workouts for strength, HIIT, Pilates and yoga right from the watch. Plus, users can create their own step-by-step workouts from more than 1,600 exercises in the Garmin Connect^™ app and send them directly to the watch. For those looking to train for a 5K or something a bit longer, free Garmin Coach adaptive training plans can help users prepare. In addition to keeping tabs on daily steps, calories burned and floors climbed, Venu 3 series can track moderate and vigorous intensity minutes, VO2 max during a run or bike ride and cycling power in watts (when paired with a compatible power meter or indoor bike).

For life on the go

Stay connected – even while on the go – with Venu 3 series. In addition to making and taking calls directly from the watch, Venu 3 series lets users receive emails, texts and alerts when paired with their compatible smartphone. Safety and tracking features help provide peace of mind by sending a message with the user’s live location to chosen emergency contacts if they feel unsafe or if an incident is detected³. While out and about, Garmin Pay^™ contactless payments let users breeze through certain checkout lines or transit systems⁴.Users can also download songs and playlists from Spotify^®, Amazon Music and Deezer (subscription required) for phone-free listening. What’s more, users can download apps, watch faces and more from the Connect IQ™ Store right on the watch, or find more options in the smartphone app.

The Venu 3 and Venu 3S GPS smartwatches are now available for purchase and have a suggested retail price starting at ₱28,250. To learn more about the Venu 3 series and Garmin’s extensive range of wearable devices, please visit Garmin Philippines’ website or Facebook page.

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin outdoor recreation products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences and enrich lives, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday.

_{¹This is not a medical device and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or monitoring of any medical condition; see Garmin.com/ataccuracy. Pulse Ox is not available in all countries.}

_{² Activity tracking accuracy.}

_{³ When paired with a compatible smartphone; see Garmin.com/ble. For safety and tracking features requirements and limitations, see Garmin.com/safety}

_{4 View current supported country, payment network and issuing bank information}
September 13, 2023
‘Phishing’ or ‘Hacking’: What’s the difference and what can you do to protect your e-wallet
“Na-’hack’ ako!” – This has become a common catchphrase for the increasing number of people finding unauthorized transactions on their e-wallets and bank accounts. This comes as no surprise because according to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, cybercrimes increased by 152% in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year, and the popularity of e-wallets have made it an easy target for criminals.

However, the term ‘hacking’ is often confused with “phishing”, another notoriously common type of cybercrime activity. While both end in malicious individuals gaining control over a user’s account, it’s critical for users to know the difference to better protect themselves.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a kind of cyber attack wherein cybercriminals pretend to be a legitimate source to trick users into giving personal information to gain access to accounts and steal the funds. For e-wallets, fraudsters may call or send a message via email, SMS or social media platforms pretending to be an employee or a company representative to get the victim’s Mobile Personal Identification Number (MPIN) and One-Time Password (OTP) or authentication code.

What is Hacking?

Hacking refers to an unauthorized attempt by a criminal to access sensitive information on a device or network. This is done by taking over a system through force or sophisticated methods.

What’s the difference?

Both phishing and hacking involve unauthorized ways of gaining sensitive information, but they are being done differently. In hacking, cybercriminals take advantage of vulnerabilities of devices and networks to gain access to sensitive information. It is therefore important for users to only use apps that are credible, reliable, and have strong security measures in place to prevent criminals from hacking the system.

On the other hand, phishing scams, derived from the word fishing, are designed to ‘bait’ victims so they will be tricked into giving sensitive information. This becomes highly dependent on the users because fraudsters rely on them to unknowingly give the information needed to access their accounts through fake websites, fake sign-up forms, or fake portals.

As cybercriminals become more creative, some phishing attempts are now designed to appear as a hacking attack. Cybercriminals ‘phish’ information from thousands of users over a certain period, but don’t immediately use these data to steal funds. All this phished information is then used to steal funds at the same time. With the large number of victims noticing that their funds have been stolen simultaneously, it would look like a massive hacking attack, especially if the victims no longer recall sharing their personal information.

The good news is that phishing scams can be prevented if you know how to spot them. Here are safety practices you can observe to protect your e-wallet account from the phishing attacks:
1. Double up on security measures
Make use of additional safety measures found in your e-wallet app. Aside from requiring you to enter your MPIN, e-wallet apps also send the OTP as an additional security measure to verify your identity. GCash also has a DoubleSafe Face ID, which prompts users for a selfie scan every time they login using a new device, to make sure that it is the Verified Account Owner who has access to the account.
1. Think and rethink before you act
Review the sender and the content of a suspicious message even before responding or clicking on the link. If you are being offered rewards or prizes, backtrack if you have indeed joined a program or raffle and verify with the company through another channel.

Remember that GCash will never send links via SMS, email and messaging apps and all legitimate rewards and promos will only be communicated through the official GCash app, so never click on links claiming to be from GCash.
1. Double-check the message that comes with the OTP
Legitimate e-wallet transactions may ask you to enter your OTP as an added security feature. If you receive an OTP through text message, make it a habit to read the entire message and make sure that it matches the request you made. If you did not make the request or if it is different from what you want to do, do not enter your OTP on any site or send it to anyone, to make sure you are not unknowingly linking your account to another device.
1. Be wary of limited time offers and urgent requests
Advisories or offers that instill a sense of urgency is almost always a sign of phishing scams. Legitimate companies will give you enough time to make a decision and will not ask you to provide your MPIN or OTP to resolve a concern, verify your identity or claim a reward.

If you are being told that your GCash account is on hold, confirm this through the official GCash app. GCash will never ask you to verify your account through a phone call or through messaging applications.
1. Never share your OTP and MPIN
Never provide your personal information if you did not initiate a request. As a rule, don’t provide sensitive information, such as your OTP and MPIN, even to your family, friends and other people claiming to be representatives of banks, companies, service providers and government agencies. Remember that GCash will never ask these details from you.

If you encounter phishing scams and fraudulent activities targeting your GCash account, you may report by visiting the official GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com/hc/en-us or messaging Gigi on the website and typing, “I want to report a scam.”
September 12, 2023
Empowering Filipino Dreams: GCash and Fuse Lending Solutions Unveiled

In the Philippines, the age-old saying, “Libre lang mangarap” (dreaming is free) holds true. But for most, bridging the gap between dreams and reality can be a tall order. Enter GCash and its lending arm, Fuse Lending Inc., turning dreams into attainable goals with their impressive range of financial products.

(L-R) Kevin Yu, Head of GLoan; XP Villa, Head of GGives; Tony Isidro, CEO of Fuse Lending;
Zo Canaria, Head of Growth Marketing for Fuse; Martha Sazon, CEO of GCash; Anna Gatmaitan, Head of GCredit;
Baby Aquino, Chief Product and Strategy Officer of Fuse

The GCash x Fuse Experience

At the Maybank Performing Arts Theater, a unique event titled “GCash x Fuse: Borrow for Tomorrow” took center stage. Anchored by its goal of financial progress for all, GCash, together with its lending arm Fuse Lending Inc., reintroduces its lending products GLoan, GGives and GCredit and shares its latest extension: the GCash Sakto Loans, a nano-loan that enables GCash users to easily borrow small amounts as ‘pambale.’ Produced by Yaparrazi Events and scripted by Cathy Azanza-Dy, it painted a picture of Barangay Pag-Asa, illustrating tales of a typical Filipino neighborhood amid a backdrop reminiscent of a bustling Filipino community.

Martha Sazon, CEO of GCash, opens Borrow for Tomorrow, with stories of financial progress powered by GCash

Tony Isidro, the dynamic CEO of Fuse, reflected on the event, emphasizing the Filipino values of ‘tingi’ (portioning) and ‘bayanihan’ (community cooperation). “With everyday Filipino stories at the core of our interactive product showcase, we draw inspiration from two concepts that are uniquely pinoy. While the idea of ’tingi’ is often seen as taking small portions needed for the moment, we recognize that even these smallest ways of support can help fuel the biggest of dreams,” He mentioned “All these, coupled with our innate characteristic of bayanihan, help us champion collective strength in reaching dreams. It is through these distinct similarities that we are able to come together as a nation and weave stories of progress.”

Barangay Pag-asa’s hardworking residents

Everyday Financial Solutions, Tailored for Filipinos

For Major Purchases: Meet Mila, a doting mother wishing for a better laptop for her son. GGives steps in, offering an easy installment plan for ‘pangmalakihan’ purchases. GCash offers GGives, its light and flexible installment plan which allows eligible users to purchase big-ticket items amounting up to P125,000 and pay for it in up to 24 months. With zero downpayment and zero additional documents needed, hardworking parents like Mila will be able to upgrade their lives without breaking their budget.

Bridging Daily Needs: Rowena, a diligent breadwinner and side hustler has yet to receive her salary and commission and is looking for a ‘pantawid’ so she could pay off her utility bills and buy groceries. She finds solace in GCredit, powered by CIMB, an always-ready credit line of up to PHP 50,000, which can be used as ‘pantawid’ not only during petsa de peligro, but also during everyday emergencies. Through its easy application process, easy interest of as low as 5% per month and easy payment terms, this service offers an easily accessible credit line, assisting individuals in managing everyday expenses, be it utilities or grocery bills.

XP Villa, Head of GGives, presents GGives’ Power of Zero: zero credit cards, zero additional documents, zero downpayment,
and zero interest for select merchants

Empowering Entrepreneurs: For those with entrepreneurial spirits, like Carinderia owner Teresa and delivery rider Isko dream of finally having enough capital to level up Aling Teresa’s Cafe. GLoan offers instant cash up to P125,000 straight to eligible users’ GCash wallets. This ‘pampuhunan’ can kickstart or boost small businesses.

Anna Gatmaitan, Head of GCredit, shares how GCredit is an easy ‘pantawid’ through its easy application, easy interest terms and easy payment terms with a 10% minimum amount due

Small Loans for Immediate Needs: At a local sari-sari store, Lito needs to borrow two kilos of malagkit rice, hoping that his friend Inday will let him off the hook yet again. Like Lito, a lot of Filipinos still have to look for ‘pambale’ when their budget gets tight, but feel ashamed of having to do so out of the fear of being judged. Not everyone is also lucky to have work colleagues, friends and family who could lend them money. The newly launched GCash Sakto Loans, GCash can meet such small, urgent needs without judgment or inconvenience.

Kevin Yu, head of GLoan, presents instant cash loan GLoan, aimed at empowering small businesses through
instant cash and instant approval

Shattering the Loan Stigma with Sakto Loans

Despite the practicality of loans, there remains a societal stigma. Fuse recognizes this and has supported over 3 million Filipinos with loans exceeding PHP 100B since 2016. Tony Isidro comments, “We believe that Filipinos deserve better access to fair loans to help them realize their dreams faster. At Fuse, we want to make borrowing money less complicated so they could spend their resources fulfilling their goals, big or small,” says Isidro. “We do this by providing them with lending products with zero hassle from application to disbursement and payment, zero additional documents, zero waiting time for eligible customers and zero interest for select popular offline and online stores.”

Baby Aquino, Chief Product and Strategy Officer of Fuse, introduces Sakto Loans, a nano-loan extension of lending products GGives and GLoan

With the addition of GCash Sakto Loans to its extensive lineup of lending products fit for different needs, GCash and Fuse hope to further reduce the stigma around borrowing, as users no longer need to feel ashamed about having to look for ‘pambale.’

Tony Isidro, CEO of Fuse Lending, shares how the lending arm of GCash aims to provide more Filipinos with access to fair loans

GLoan Sakto, and GGives Sakto provide small amounts from PHP 100 up to PHP 1,000 with a 15% processing fee and no interest, and pay for it either on the 15th or at the end of the month. Sakto Loans serve as an entry or buena mano loan for those who are not yet eligible to borrow through GLoan and GGives. Addressing immediate needs with minimal processing fees and no interest, this approach not only aids the unqualified for larger loans but also combats the negativity surrounding borrowing.

Like how the characters go out of their way to help each other get through their day-to-day needs and fulfill their bigger dreams, Borrow for Tomorrow magnifies the indomitable spirit of Filipino bayanihan. GCash and Fuse hope to be there for all the Milas, Rowenas, Teresas, Iskos and Litos, giving them the extra boost they need so they can upgrade their lives, get through day-to-day expenses and fulfill their dreams.

“Borrow for Tomorrow” isn’t merely an event. It’s a testament to the undying Filipino spirit of collaboration and unity. GCash and Fuse stand alongside Filipinos, providing the much-needed push to transcend daily challenges and pursue dreams.

For those interested, GGives, GLoan, and GCredit are accessible via the GCash dashboard. Haven’t joined the GCash family yet? It’s never too late. Users may access GGives, GLoan and GCredit through the GCash dashboard or find it under “Borrow.” No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!

September 6, 2023
Smart offers FREE livestream access to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023

FIBA global partner Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) will offer FREE access to every FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 game on the Smart LiveStream App from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10.

Downloadable on the App Store and Google Play Store with no monthly subscription required, the Smart LiveStream App will enable Smart subscribers to enjoy a full homecourt advantage to watch all the excitement and drama of this prestigious spectacle anytime and anywhere.

To watch all 92 games, Smart subscribers simply have to connect to a Smart mobile data, TNT or PLDT WiFi while using the Smart LiveStream App.

The Smart LiveStream App is best enjoyed with Gilas Power 399, which comes with 48 GB for all sites and apps, and up to 30 GB access to FIBA Basketball World Cup games on the app.

THE BEST TIME TO BE SMART

“Now is the best time for Filipino basketball fans to be a Smart subscriber,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, PLDT and Smart President and CEO and head of the FIBA local organizing committee

“With Smart, we are empowering our basketball-loving nation to make the most of our country’s historic hosting of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Enjoy virtual front-row seats, as if you are there, to the world’s biggest stage in basketball by downloading the Smart Livestream app,” he added.

Subscribers and fans can witness and rally behind Gilas Pilipinas, bannered by Utah Jazz’s Jordan Clarkson, as well as Team USA and other basketball superstars as they battle it out for FIBA supremacy.

As Clarkson and Slovenia’s Luka Doncic said on their recent commercial released by FIBA: “Once you put on your country’s flag-bearing jersey … nothing else matters.”

WORLD CLASS MOBILE NETWORK EXPERIENCE

Watching the FIBA games on the Smart LiveStream app is part of Smart’s efforts to bring the best basketball experiences to subscribers, powered by the Philippines’ fastest and best mobile network, as cited by global network analytics firm Ookla for three consecutive reporting periods – in Q1-Q2 2022, Q3-Q4 2022, and Q1-Q2 2023.

Smart also teamed up with its technology partners Huawei and Ericsson to expand and permanently optimize its LTE and 5G mobile network coverage across all three venues of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, including the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, and the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

Smart subscribers trooping to the venues can expect a world-class mobile experience not just during the much-anticipated games but also in the biggest concerts and events post-tournament.

Know more about how Smart subscribers can make the most of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 at https://smart.com.ph/Pages/smartfiba.

August 22, 2023
Globe shares 6 tips to make the best of your mobile data

Over the years, mobile data has truly become essential in the daily life of Filipinos. Many rely on their phone’s mobile data connection for work, education, livelihood, and entertainment. In this era of countless apps and data-heavy activities, understanding your data consumption can empower you to save and maximize your usage.

Mobile leader Globe shares tips on how you can conserve your data so you can make the most of your browsing experience!

1. Choose the best data promo

Globe has the best data promos for your needs, regardless of your budget. If you are budget-conscious and want to make the best of your data for streaming, learning, earning and other activities, try Go50 with 5GB data for all sites and unlimited all-net texts for P50, valid for 3 days. If you’re willing to splurge a bit more, go for Super Xclusive Go+99 with up to 10GB for all sites, 8GB for your choice of apps, and unlimited all-net texts for P99, valid for up to 8 days. Both promos are available on the GlobeOne app.

2. Check how you use your mobile data

Data usage is largely behavioral. If you are a heavy streamer, whether it be videos, music, or games, your data consumption will inevitably be higher than a recreational or casual user. Make sure you keep yourself in check when browsing.

3. Be conscious of usage while video-streaming

High-resolution videos in applications may lead to more data consumed. The higher the quality of the video, the more data it would likely require. Make sure to adjust the video quality in apps like Facebook, YouTube, Netflix, Tiktok, and Zoom to conserve data. To get a sulit deal for streaming sites, you can register to Go+99 with GoWATCH to get 8GB for all sites, plus 8GB for video apps, and unlimited all-net texts, valid for 7 days.

4. Control app updates

Automatic app updates and other app activities may consume a significant amount of data. Turn on your phone’s Low Data Mode (Android) or Data Saver (iOS) to stop automatic app updates and other activities from using your mobile data.

5. Know your data limit

Keep in mind that it’s possible to exhaust all your data before the end of your promo period depending on usage. Some customers might think that their data, such as 5GB under Go50 on GlobeOne, will last for 3 days, and are surprised when it gets fully consumed before the validity ends. You may keep track of your data usage using the GlobeOne app.

6. Know where to get help

If you have concerns about data, you may access GlobeOne app and go to the Help section. GlobeOne is your digital life companion!

“Putting our customers first, we recognize the importance of every megabyte of data, and more so, the value of the money they spend on it. We believe every byte matters! Actively listening to their browsing experiences forms a vital part of our service improvement. We hope that this information serves as a valuable tool for our customers, enabling them to make the most out of their data without any worries,” said Aileen Burgos, head of Customer Experience.

Stay connected, stay informed, and enjoy your browsing experience with Globe and TM! Visit https://www.globe.com.ph/ to know more.

August 15, 2023